• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Members of the Diocese of Bacolod clergy announced yesterday that they are holding in abeyance the moral recovery initiative for Bacolod City government officials, pending re-evaluation of the proposal for a retreat and recollection.
The decision was stated in a statement read by Fr. Aniceto Buenafe during a press conference held at the Negros Press Club office in Bacolod City.
“We understand that the public is currently cautious and skeptical about collaborations with politicians. There is a prevailing perception of ‘underlying motives,’ ‘manipulation,’ and ‘unstated objectives’ when engaging in dialogue with government officials,” the statement said.
The retreat and recollection activity was supposedly set on Nov. 13.
“We need time to refine its content, solidify its objectives, and clearly define its targets and goals,” Buenafe pointed out.
Buenafe said that Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez requested a private meeting with him and the other priests on Oct. 4 and 20.
Sharing his dismay and frustration with the institution to which he belongs, Benitez sought their advice and moral guidance on how to restore public trust.
It was during the Oct. 20 meeting, which was also attended by other city officials, that the idea of a retreat or recollection and how to proceed with it was discussed.
“During the meeting, we made it clear that this initiative would not undermine the effort or position of any party regarding the anomalous flood control projects,” Buenafe said.
After conferring with several of their brother priests, those who were not present during the meeting with Benitez, Buenafe said they must carefully review their approach to the moral recovery initiative.
“Recognizing that the most affected sector by corruption in government is the marginalized — the poor,” he said their input is essential to the success of the moral recovery initiative.
“We must hear their recommendations on how misguided politicians can demonstrate genuine sincerity,” Buenafe further said.
He added: “As members of the Bacolod clergy, we stand with the poor and the marginalized. It is their voice that must be amplified on a larger platform. We are united in our call for honest and accountable leadership.”
In a statement, Benitez said he understands where Buenafe and other friends in the clergy are coming from.
“Our people have every right to be dismayed and cynical when it comes to politics and politicians. After what we have seen and heard in recent months, trust in government is at an all-time low — and that is something we in public service, especially those in Congress, must confront with humility,” the Bacolod lawmaker said, adding that he “understands and respects the need of our priests to step back and reassess their involvement”.
“What matters to me is that we continue to keep the doors of dialogue and partnership open. We deeply value their guidance and wisdom, and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with them,” he added.
Benitez said: “I remain hopeful that, in time, we can move forward together in the shared belief that our people deserve honest leadership, and that moral renewal is not only possible — it is absolutely necessary.”
Fr. Filomeno Duaban, who joined Buenafe, Fr. Arman Onion, Fr. Michael Cuenca and Fr. Henry Donasco in the press briefing, clarified that they attended the initial dialogues with the city officials not to patronize, to become an accomplice, to gain favor, or to whitewash investigations.
The Council of Concerned Citizens (C3), where Buenafe used to be the lead convenor, investigates the flood control projects, initially in Bacolod City.
“We are not blindly defending, or in support of any political agenda, whatever interests are there maybe,” Duaban said.
He added: “We are there to dialogue with our government leaders, with a mission on how anyone in that office, given such dignity and responsibility, to lead with integrity — in accountability and transparency for the common good and prosperity of their constituents.”
Meanwhile, Buenafe said he relinquished his role as C3 lead convenor after the group decided to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“As members of the clergy, our involvement with corporations — unless sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church — is limited. Nevertheless, the priests originally identified with C3 have agreed to serve as the group’s spiritual advisers,” he added. | GB
